If you're a homeowner thinking about refinancing, you have two options for covering your closing costs if you're not paying for them with cash. They are: Taking a higher mortgage rate. In this scenario, often called a no-cost refinance, you avoid... (Read More)

You avoided foreclosure but had to sell your home for less than you owed on it. Will you ever be able to qualify for another mortgage loan? Yes, but you may have to wait. Your credit score suffers after a short sale, although not as much as if... (Read More)

You’re nervous. After raising a family, you’ve watched your kids carve out their own lives away from home. Now it’s time for you to sell your house and move somewhere smaller. But you don’t have to do it alone. Your children can... (Read More)

Social media is a great way to keep up with friends and a welcome distraction during the work week lunch break. It's also a valuable marketing tool - for businesses and even when selling your home. While viral marketing and well-funded projects... (Read More)

It won’t be long before we feel the chill of winter approaching. Is your home ready? The good news is that winterizing your home doesn't have to be costly or time consuming. With a free afternoon and a little elbow grease, here are some... (Read More)

You can get overwhelmed with numbers as you go through the process of securing a mortgage loan—the money you’re putting down, the interest rate, the cost for points and insurance, the number of months for the loan, the monthly payment. But... (Read More)

When you think of the USDA, do you have visions of the major food groups? Perhaps you envision USDA-Certified stickers on your favorite foods at the grocery store? Well, chew on this - the USDA also has a home loan product called the Rural Housing... (Read More)

New homes have the appeal of never-before-used floors and appliances as well as plenty of additional advantages that come along with owning one. Previously owned, or “existing,” homes enjoy the benefits of an established neighborhood and a good... (Read More)

Have you been approved for a mortgage loan? Great. Now don’t do anything. Your lender will recheck your credit right before closing. Keep your transaction moving along smoothly, by avoiding these mistakes: Increasing your debt. Your... (Read More)

Have you faced some financial difficulties in recent years but still want to buy a home? Here are some tips: Order your credit report. Under federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report each year from all three credit-reporting... (Read More)